Ancelotti Blames Lack Of Desire, Part 2
Their recent poor form and the slip to third place in the Premier League table, after maintaining the lead from match day one, makes this game against Everton important. A win at Stamford Bridge would mean the Blues would still be
in the title race, while a loss would mean the Blues would have to focus on one less trophy. The Italian is determined to make sure his side returns to winning ways and he is determined they start against Everton. He said,
“We have to close this period with a victory. That's the target. It's not so important to be top now. We have to be there at the end of the season. We must focus on this game. I put on my players pressure for this game. I want to see everything we can do:
character, personality, good play. It may be the most important game of the season.”
John Terry has been cleared to play, despite of not being fully fit. The Blues skipper has a nerve trapped in his thigh which causes him pain and affects his performance but Ancelotti claimed there would be no trouble as long as Terry
continued with his strengthening exercises. He continued, “It is the piriformis muscle. It's been a case of releasing that muscle. You have to improve the strength of the muscle so you have the possibility to relax it. More exercise. He's doing that to
strengthen it. The problem has gone. Maybe he won't be 100 per cent in the next game because he's only trained for three days, but he can improve. It's not just important for him to be 100 per cent. He brings others things: he can speak across the defensive
line, can instruct and lead the team, his personality.”
Michael Essien had been serving a three match ban after the midfielder received a red card against Fulham. Ancelotti is aware of what the Ghanaian brings to the side; he is easily the back bone of the Chelsea squad at this point. If
his presence doesn’t prove that, his absence certainly does. The Blues have had horrible results when he has been out, either because of suspension or injury. However, Ancelotti was sure the player had learnt his lesson, he said,
“He brings character, personality, like Terry. We've had problems scoring from midfield, and he can solve that. We haven't just missed his muscle; we've missed his character and personality in midfield. Essien knows he made a mistake and I'm sure he won't
repeat it again. I've spoken to him about this – he needs to have more self-control.”
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